Turns out my dad got me a complete upper as a gift so now i have extra money to spend, so which optic should i get for around $500?

zfields

03-05-2012, 1:53 PM

Aimpoint.

NorCalK9.com

03-05-2012, 1:56 PM

Aimpoint

.45JHP

03-05-2012, 1:57 PM

Eotech

m98

03-05-2012, 1:58 PM

Either eotech or aimpoint......For me, I personally like the Eotech awhole lot more over the aimpoint.

If you want a low powered magnified optic in 1-4x, try vortex or millet

Baconator

03-05-2012, 1:59 PM

I prefer eotech.

What Just Happened?

03-05-2012, 2:02 PM

If you're looking at a red dot, an Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) or an Eotech are both great ways to go.

If you're looking at a magnifying optic, oh boy. That's a whole big world. A Leatherwood CMR 1-4x24 optic is a very nice piece of glass that I've been looking at.

Good luck with your AR-15 and you're not in Topeka, KS by any chance are you?

drifter001

03-05-2012, 2:05 PM

save the $500 and get used to shooting with irons...in the meantime save another $500 and buy an ACOG instead

takinflight33

03-05-2012, 2:06 PM

how is the quality on the vortex optics, I mean if the quality is almost as good an aimpoint or eotech it seems like a good buy to me

takinflight33

03-05-2012, 2:07 PM

no im in cali

zfields

03-05-2012, 2:09 PM

If you want to save money, just go with PA. Great stuff for the price, but dont compare vortex/PA to aimpoint or eotech.

HK Dave

03-05-2012, 2:15 PM

Get yourself a Vortex Viper 1-4x

Gnome

03-05-2012, 2:19 PM

Aimpoint PRO. Check out the YouTube reviews on it. That's what I'd be gettiing if I had the cash.

therza2071

03-05-2012, 2:20 PM

how is the quality on the vortex optics, I mean if the quality is almost as good an aimpoint or eotech it seems like a good buy to me

The Vortex's are good, but they are not going to be built like an Aimpoint or Eotech.

Personally, for that kind of money, I would pick up the Aimpoint PRO, or a Lucid HD7 and a few hundred rounds of ammo.

n2k

03-05-2012, 2:23 PM

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=541451

shooperman

03-05-2012, 2:31 PM

Aimpoint. You won't regret it.

ACRfan

03-05-2012, 2:39 PM

Be a man and get a trijicon reflex.. Don't get a poopy aimpoint

chrisf

03-05-2012, 2:46 PM

Be a man and get a trijicon reflex.. Don't get a poopy aimpoint
+1 on that bro.

tools2teach

03-05-2012, 2:46 PM

1x4 scope CMR

Advantages: best of both worlds
Disadvantage: Short eye relief @ 1x , heavy

bombadillo

03-05-2012, 2:47 PM

I would get a Burris P.E.P.R. QD Scope mount with a Leupold Mark AR 1-4x Variable scope. That way you can get the best of all worlds with the scope, QD for use of irons quickly, and will be a lot fun for the range rather than a red dot sight. Much higher accuracy at 200-300 yard ranges.

sephy

03-05-2012, 2:49 PM

If you're looking for a scope then Nikon has the M223 and P223 series now as well. Check em out at Cabelas.

0331Marine

03-05-2012, 2:53 PM

I've had Aimpoint and Eotech, and I stuck with Eotech. The Aimpoint was to much of a "scope" feeling.

West coast

03-05-2012, 3:02 PM

Aimpoint...

HKDoc

03-05-2012, 3:44 PM

Aimpoint t1

ejhc11

03-05-2012, 4:00 PM

Get yourself a Vortex Viper 1-4x
+1
Will get you a optic that is illuminated and magnified from an excellent service company also.

HK Dave

03-05-2012, 4:07 PM

I know a lot of people love Aimpoints and Eotechs and I do too, but they get boring fast.

Get yourself the Vortex 1-4x and you get to have a CQB type optic at 1x and also get to shoot longer ranges and dial in your DOPE at 4x.

As for toughness... Vortex will replace any broken scope... no questions asked with a lifetime transferable warranty. Their customer service is second to none.

Yes... if your life depends on it, I'd probably get an aimpoint... but if it doesn't, get the one that you'd have more FUN with. :)

What Just Happened?

03-05-2012, 4:36 PM

As you can see, there's a lot of wide and varying advice on what to get for the optic.

Here's a link to a really good article about optics.
http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-optics/

You first need to know what kinda of shooting you're going to do with it.

shamu415

03-05-2012, 4:43 PM

100-200
-primary arms
-vortex

200+
aimpoint h1,t1, PRO,
Eotech- 512,xps

45R

03-05-2012, 5:03 PM

I've run a variety of Aimpoints (T1, H1, ML2) and the ACOG TA31F. Both are great but I really enjoy the T1/H1 set ups.

Yemff

03-05-2012, 7:29 PM

eotech

bighead

03-05-2012, 7:35 PM

Unless you're going to put your optic through the rigors of combat, I suggest the Bushnell trs-25.It's around 60 to 80 dollars and will work great.The rest I would spend on ammo.

Crowesnest

03-05-2012, 7:40 PM

Aimpoint, Eotech, and Trijicon are all battle proven, whether in the streets of Baghdad, the mountains of Aghanistan, or the streets of Mainstreet USA. I think it's more of a preference......unfortunately here, there are too many differing opinions.

This is what I reccommend.It will cost under $100.If you want you can get the YHM riser instead of the one in the pic, it's about $10 more.I've used my trs on my AK thru cases upon cases of ammo and it's never failed.There is no reason to spend that much money on a non magnification optic when your just plinking.

mlevans66

03-05-2012, 7:58 PM

I'm getting an Aimpoint T-1 but if I only had 500 then the Aimpoint Pro is a grat deal with a lot to offer. My two cents!

ChaneRZ

03-05-2012, 8:10 PM

Eotech!

Chuck67

03-05-2012, 8:10 PM

Aimpoint pro is only $400 w/ mount included and it will give you a lower 1/3 co-witness. I took my out this weekend and was easily popping steel target at 200m-400m. You wont regret it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/rocafella1524/photo-20.jpg

blackbok

03-05-2012, 9:23 PM

Aimpoint Pro +1000!

vintagearms

03-05-2012, 10:16 PM

Had EOtechs including the XPS models and prefer the Aimpont PRO's. Either that or save a few dollars for an ACOG.

This is what I reccommend.It will cost under $100.If you want you can get the YHM riser instead of the one in the pic, it's about $10 more.I've used my trs on my AK thru cases upon cases of ammo and it's never failed.There is no reason to spend that much money on a non magnification optic when your just plinking.

Bushnell Good to go.. I have shot EoTech and Aimpoint T-1 and regular Aimpoint... Great red dots.... but you can save money and have a good quality red dot by buying the Bushnell.

Bushnell is the way to go... you can buy 4 for the cost of a EoTech and Aimpoint. You can buy a back up and keep it in your kit, and just swap out.

My bushnell has held up great and I abuse the heck out of it.

It's your money do what you want... good luck in your choice.

alfred1222

03-05-2012, 10:51 PM

eotech

Redchevyman

03-05-2012, 10:55 PM

EOTech

TheBladeRunner

03-06-2012, 12:28 AM

I prefer the FOV of the EOTech.

But this kind of makes me want to switch over to an Aimpoint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCBcV2Nb2Wo

negolien

03-06-2012, 4:26 AM

Might try looking in the "Optics' section as there's about 1,000 threads on the subject in there :eek:...

PRSTIFJ

03-06-2012, 7:30 AM

I just picked up an Aimpoint PRO and love it. for the price of other entry level comp series Aimpoints you basically get the same thing with a very nice mount IMO. Eotechs are nice too really just depends on your personal preferences. I find that with both eyes open you dont even really notice the bulk of the aimpoint.

bombadillo

03-06-2012, 7:40 AM

OP, you never made it clear if you wanted a red dot or a tube type scope. You should clarify a little better what you're going after rather than saying "what type of optic should I get". You're going to get a lot better response that way. EVERYBODY has an opinion, and you know the saying... Figure out your intents for the gun first, then go after something that fits the bill better whether it be a red dot and magnifier, red dot alone, variable scope, or otherwise.

takinflight33

03-06-2012, 7:29 PM

i want a red dot with a magnifier set up, can you use a magnifier with the bushnell trs sight?

Crowesnest

03-06-2012, 7:46 PM

i want a red dot with a magnifier set up, can you use a magnifier with the bushnell trs sight?

Sure, there are plenty of cheapie magnifiers that you can get for the Bushnell TRS. I think Primary Arms makes some decent magnifiers, as does MAKO. Just get a cheap fts or twist off qd mount and you're set.

goodlookin1

03-06-2012, 7:56 PM

i want a red dot with a magnifier set up, can you use a magnifier with the bushnell trs sight?

Take this as someone who had the 3x magnifier+ FTS mount + eotech combo:

1) Heavy
2) Bulky
3) All magnifiers have short eye relief and low field of view
4) You're looking through 4 panes of glass which darkens/dissolves the clarity of the picture
5) Expensive for what you get at the end result

I thought I would love the setup. It WAS my dream optics setup. But here's what I found: The 3x magnifier with the darker image and the lower resolution did not add ANYTHING to my shooting ability. It DIDNT add range, barely, BARELY added increased distance/target ID'ing, narrowed my field of view, added a bunch of weight, and lost all that eye relief that the eotech gives (when using the magnifier).

Trust me, I am 99.99% sure you will have wished you just went with a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x...........I did ;) Much clearer glass, probably same weight or maybe an ounce lighter, better defined resolution, BDC/Ranging + windage reticle, 1x-4x gives versatility, etc. Then I stuck that on my .308 AR and ponied up the cash for an TA31F ACOG.....I would do that 1000x over, probably the best purchase I have ever made. Remember, with optics/glass, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. I tried taking shortcuts, but learn from me....it DOESNT pay.

Or go with a solo Eotech. I liked that better than with the magnifier....you really cant beat an eotech for up close shooting, and even then it is pretty much dead nutz accurate out to 200m and body MOA out to 500m+ (if your eyes are good).

818gtiguy

03-06-2012, 8:02 PM

I prefer the FOV of the EOTech.

But this kind of makes me want to switch over to an Aimpoint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCBcV2Nb2Wo

The proper way to use a red dot sight is to have both eyes open. If you are only using one eye with a Aimpoint, you are doing it wrong brotha. So saying the Eotech has more FOV is pretty unvalid. BTW OP, I just got a brand new T-1 2moa with a American Defense lower 1/3 mount for $560 from Gunfighter420, who is a member here. Im pretty sure he has more Aimpoints for sale, WAY below retail.

takinflight33

03-06-2012, 8:22 PM

after all the suggestions and me researching i think im just gunna go with the leupold Mark AR
1-4 power scope

Drivedabizness

03-06-2012, 9:23 PM

Turns out my dad got me a complete upper as a gift so now i have extra money to spend, so which optic should i get for around $500?

Is your Dad looking to adopt? :43:

m98

03-07-2012, 1:13 AM

The proper way to use a red dot sight is to have both eyes open. If you are only using one eye with a Aimpoint, you are doing it wrong brotha. So saying the Eotech has more FOV is pretty unvalid. BTW OP, I just got a brand new T-1 2moa with a American Defense lower 1/3 mount for $560 from Gunfighter420, who is a member here. Im pretty sure he has more Aimpoints for sale, WAY below retail.

Fov invalid? Not really. All in technicality, the eo has way better fov, but like you said these type of optics are ment for both eye open shooting. But the eo, becuz of its better fov, will provide quicker and easier target acquisition. In technicality, the aimpoint is more of a tube like a scope, takes a little bit longer cuz you gotta look thru a "tube". Eo is more like a screen. Much easier/faster to look thru.

HK Dave

03-07-2012, 7:00 AM

after all the suggestions and me researching i think im just gunna go with the leupold Mark AR
1-4 power scope

Nice choice... but make sure to look at the Nikon version, it has better glass.

Warhawk014

03-07-2012, 10:51 AM

save the $500 and get used to shooting with irons...in the meantime save another $500 and buy an ACOG instead

Best advise so far.

chris_m90731

03-07-2012, 10:53 AM

Save $300 more...get a low bud ACOG...

Warhawk014

03-07-2012, 10:59 AM

Accupoint tr24 would be my choice if I had to do it again.

hnoppenberger

03-07-2012, 11:03 AM

I cant stand the tube effect of an Aimpoint, my vote is eotech.
if c-more made a tougher sight, that would be my biggest pick- no occlusion whatsoever.

hnoppenberger

03-07-2012, 11:04 AM

Accupoint tr24 would be my choice if I had to do it again.

ok so we are talking magnified? yes thats my pick too.

alpalwal

03-07-2012, 11:33 AM

Aimpoint micro

MrExel17

03-07-2012, 1:07 PM

No one said Barska :rolleyes:... I would go EoTech with the same reasons mentioned above.

till44

03-07-2012, 2:28 PM

after all the suggestions and me researching i think im just gunna go with the leupold Mark AR
1-4 power scope

Check out the Vortex Viper PST before you buy. My opinion is it's better glass, better warranty, and probably the best bang for your buck out there.

bombadillo

03-08-2012, 7:38 AM

It's also twice as much money for the PST too. The m-223 and mark ar are both great glass for the money.